Types of Childcare

Before you can choose the right childcare, you need to know what’s available and which will be the best fit for you and your family. Do you want to know if meals are included, or if you can claim Government Rebates?

The table below will give you an overview of what you can expect from 4 common types of childcare available. Do you want to know if meals are included, or if you can claim Government Rebates?

The table below will give you a detailed summary of each.

Type of care

Benefits

Long Day Care

Sometimes called centre-based care, long day care is usually provided in a purpose-built environment and operates long hours such as 6:30am – 6:30pm. Children are cared for in a group setting with enrolments between 1 and 5 days per week.

Can be cheaper than a nanny for one child.

Long hours of care with meals and nappies often provided.

Provides structured early education program guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)* and often extra-curricular activities~.

Often offer Kindergarten/Preschool Programs.

Licensed facilities, with qualified/experienced staff^.

Child meets a range of children and educators.

Majority of centres approved and eligible for Government Rebates – CCR/CCB#.

Family Day Care (FDC)

Provides home-based small group care, usually full-time or part-time. Hours can be similar to long day care. Homes must comply with safety guidelines with a limited number of children cared for. May also include occasional or holiday care.

FDC workers are regulated, assessed and managed by FDC agency or local council.

Can be more affordable than long day care, some allow payment by the hour.

A home environment with consistent care.

Educators tend to have/had children of their own.

Interaction with a small group of children of varying ages.

May be eligible for CCR/CCB.

Occasional Care

Occasional care is a flexible service provided on an ad hoc basis in purpose built centres.

Parents only pay for the time the children are in care.

Good stepping stone to long day care.

Great option for unexpected/emergency circumstances.

Nanny

A nanny is a carer who comes to your home or lives with you.

Can be affordable if there are multiple children.

Convenience of having same carer.

Individual attention

Hours are flexible, depending on agreement.

Child stays in familiar environment.

More control of child’s care as nanny is your direct employee.

Some light housework may be included.

Type of care

Long Day Care

Sometimes called centre-based care, long day care is usually provided in a purpose-built environment and operates long hours such as 6:30am – 6:30pm. Children are cared for in a group setting with enrolments between 1 and 5 days per week.

Benefits

Can be cheaper than a nanny for one child.

Long hours of care with meals and nappies often provided.

Provides structured early education program guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)* and often extra-curricular activities~.

Often offer Kindergarten/Preschool Programs.

Licensed facilities, with qualified/experienced staff^.

Child meets a range of children and educators.

Majority of centres approved and eligible for Government Rebates – CCR/CCB#.

Family Day Care (FDC)

Provides home-based small group care, usually full-time or part-time. Hours can be similar to long day care. Homes must comply with safety guidelines with a limited number of children cared for. May also include occasional or holiday care.

Benefits

FDC workers are regulated, assessed and managed by FDC agency or local council.

Can be more affordable than long day care, some allow payment by the hour.

A home environment with consistent care.

Educators tend to have/had children of their own.

Interaction with a small group of children of varying ages.

May be eligible for CCR/CCB.

Occasional Care

Occasional care is a flexible service provided on an ad hoc basis in purpose built centres.

Benefits

Parents only pay for the time the children are in care.

Good stepping stone to long day care.

Great option for unexpected/emergency circumstances.

Nanny

A nanny is a carer who comes to your home or lives with you.

Benefits

Can be affordable if there are multiple children.

Convenience of having same carer.

Individual attention

Hours are flexible, depending on agreement.

Child stays in familiar environment.

More control of child’s care as nanny is your direct employee.

Some light housework may be included.

*Visit the EYLF Curriculum page for more details.~Extracurricular activities refers to activities such as music and sport etc.